Tri Tyrone 70.3 – Sinead Walsh
Each year I try to do a home race that I haven’t done before. I had heard great reports of the Tyrone event and it fitted into my summer plans.. The race has been run for about 10 years, played host to the National Championships and has been voted race of the year. The 2024 edition sold out quickly, as the organisers Tri Limits TC, were holding the event a new venueand reduced the number of entries to see how things would work out, so 250 entries were taken.
It’s over 3 hour drive from Limerick, and as I’d left later than planned, got caught in traffic on the M50, but made it up to checkin was done the evening before.
The nearest town is Dungannon, and there’s limited accommodation there. I got a room about 15 minutes from the venue, and it was ideal, Cohanon Inn. Breakfast there didn’t start until 9am, but there was a garage next door open 24h where I could get my early morning Coffee.
The Race itself started at 0900 – unusual for a middle distance race. The swim was a 2 lap course in a small lake, which was clear and warm. Entrants chose a yellow (sub 40min) or white swim cap ( >40min) lining up for a mass start. The couse was well marked with large buoys and plenty of on water safety.
The bike route started with 5km away from the lake and onto a main road, with 3 laps between the turn points, before heading back, Although it was flatish, there were some drags and a head wind to deal with. Towards the end of my cycle, there was more traffic on the road, with trucks overtaking you needed to stay alert all the way.
The run was a 3.5km loop out and back from the transition, on the same road used for the bike. This meant there was plenty of passing and banter. There was slight uphill out, but then you had the downhill back. A really nice course.
There was plenty of food at the finish including a tasty Burger or Hotdog, much needed before hitting the road for the long drive back. There was a medal & t shirt, as well as some funky socks in the goodie bag, so overall it was a great value race.
There are not many middle distance races, and even fewer that are Club run. Tri limits is a small club, they were all very friendly and super supportive. None of them enter the race, so that they have enough marshals.
Limerick TC had a great day out – William O’Shaughnessy was very impressive on his first 70.3, coming in sub 5 hours, with a Half Marathon PB to boot. Angela Robertson took 4th overall and won her Age Group. Mike Clancy had another solid day. I was very pleased with my day – a good swim, good bike and survival on the run, for a middle distance PB.
I would highly recommend this race – it’s fast, friendly and only up the road. I will definitely go back and try a make a weekend of it as it.
For next years event see www.trilimits.com